Image formation apparatus, control method therefor, and program

Abstract

To provide an image formation apparatus, a control method therefor, and a program capable of minimizing throughput degradation during divided printing control.SOLUTION: An image formation apparatus includes a printing unit that performs printing and a unit group composed of a plurality of types of functional units that consume power other than the printing unit. The apparatus is capable of printing one line in which a plurality of blocks equivalent to single-character printing are arranged side by side in the horizontal direction, and capable of divided printing in which printing nozzles are used in multiple times. The apparatus comprises: a threshold storage unit that stores each of the plurality of types of operating patterns of the unit group, a corresponding first threshold and a second threshold larger than the first threshold in association with each other; and a selection unit (S904-S907, etc.,) that, with reference to the stored contents of the threshold storage unit, selects normal printing or divided printing according to the operating pattern of the unit group during printing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, a control method thereof, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Generally, control for suppressing an electrical overload is usually executed for a print head of an inkjet printer. For example, although the print head is composed of a plurality of nozzles for ejecting ink, when the number of print nozzles to be used simultaneously is large, the print nozzles are used in multiple times. That is, "divided printing" is performed so as not to exceed the rated power instantaneously supplied to the print head. The rated power here is for the entire device, and it is designed to be within the rated power even in the worst case considering the power consumption of the entire device including the print head. In other words, it is made to sufficiently fit within the rated power except for the worst case.

[0003] In an MFP (Multi Function Printer), in addition to a printing mechanism including a print head, mechanisms that consume power such as a scanner and a FAX are provided, but not all of these always operate simultaneously. For example, when performing printing and copying, the power that can be supplied to the print head is greater for divided printing without using the scanner. That is, since the determination of whether to perform divided printing is fixedly made based on the worst case, divided printing is executed even when it is unnecessary. As a result, there is a problem that the printing throughput decreases.

[0004] To solve this problem, it is necessary to calculate the maximum power that the printing mechanism can use according to the job type and usage situation, and not perform divided printing except in cases where a limit is required. Patent Document 1 discloses a method for performing this maximum power calculation and a technique regarding the calculation timing.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-12702 [Summary of the Invention] [Problems to be Solved by the Invention]

[0006] However, although it is the simplest method to have a dedicated circuit capable of measuring the power consumption by a plurality of types of constituent units and constantly monitor the power consumption, it is necessary to pre-incorporate the dedicated circuit, and there are high hurdles in introducing the dedicated circuit in terms of cost and the like. Further, since the control conditions for divided printing are uniformly fixed, even when divided printing is not originally required, divided printing is performed, leading to a decrease in throughput during printing. When there is a margin in the power consumption that can be supplied to the print head, it has been desired to flexibly change the control mode so as not to perform divided printing and suppress the decrease in throughput as much as possible.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus, a control method thereof, and a program capable of suppressing a decrease in throughput during divided printing control. [Means for Solving the Problems]

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, an image forming apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention includes a printing unit that performs printing, and a unit group including a plurality of types of functional units that consume power other than this, and is capable of performing one-line printing in which a plurality of blocks corresponding to printing one character are arranged in the horizontal direction, and is capable of divided printing that uses print nozzles in multiple times. The image forming apparatus is characterized in that it includes a threshold storage unit that associates and stores each of a plurality of types of operation patterns of the unit group with a corresponding first threshold value and a second threshold value larger than this, and a selection unit that refers to the stored content of the threshold storage unit and selects normal printing or divided printing according to the operation pattern of the unit group during printing. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, an effect is obtained that it becomes possible to suppress a decrease in throughput during divided printing control.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

Figure 1

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Figure 8

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Figure 11

Figure 12

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the configurations described in the following embodiments are merely examples, and the scope of the present invention is not limited by the configurations described in the embodiments. In this embodiment, "divided printing" means that when the number of printing nozzles used simultaneously is large, the printing nozzles are used in multiple (N times) divisions. When N is "2", it is called "two-divided printing", and when N is "4", it is called "four-divided printing".

[0012] (Fig. 1: Configuration diagram of the image forming apparatus) Fig. 1 is a configuration diagram of the image forming apparatus 1. The image forming apparatus 1 includes a controller 101, a display unit / operation unit 113, a printer unit 114, a scanner unit 115, a FAX unit 116, a LAN unit 117, and a USB unit 118. The controller 101 includes a CPU 102, a ROM 103, a RAM 104, an NVM 105, and an HDD 106. Further, the controller 101 includes a display unit / operation unit I / F 107, a printer I / F 108, a scanner I / F 109, a FAX I / F 110, a network driver 111, and a USB host driver 112. The image forming apparatus 1 is controlled by the controller 101. Also, the controller 101 controls units (113 to 118) that can be individually powered on and off via each I / F (107 to 110) and drivers (111, 112).

[0013] (CPU 102:ROM 103:RAM 104:NVM 105:HDD 106) The CPU 102 expands and executes the program for the controller 101 stored non-volatilely in the ROM 103 in the RAM 104. The RAM 104 temporarily stores the image data to be printed in the control of the image forming apparatus 1, and also temporarily stores information related to the control of the image forming apparatus 1. The NVM 105 is a non-volatile memory and stores various information necessary for the maintenance of the image forming apparatus 1. The HDD 106 is a non-volatile storage device and stores the print data received from the PC 119 via the network driver 111 or the USB host driver 112 as a print job.

[0014] (Display unit / Operation unit I / F: Display unit / Operation unit: Printer I / F: Printer unit) The display unit / operation unit I / F 107 is an interface that connects the controller 101 and the display unit / operation unit 113. The display unit / operation unit 113 is realized by an LCD, an LED, keys, a touch panel, etc., and is for the user to operate various functions of the image forming apparatus 1 and perform various settings. The printer I / F 108 is an interface that connects the controller 101 and the printer unit 114. The printer unit 114 prints image data based on a print job transferred from the HDD 106 via the printer I / F 108.

[0015] (Scanner I / F: Scanner unit: FAX I / F: FAX unit) The scanner I / F 109 is an interface that connects the controller 101 and the scanner unit 115. The scanner unit 115 reads given image data and transfers the read image data to the HDD 106 via the scanner I / F 109. Also, copying (duplicating) is possible by printing the image data read by the scanner unit 115 using the printer unit 114. The FAX I / F 110 is an interface that connects the controller 101 and the FAX unit 116. The FAX unit 116 transmits the image data read by the scanner unit 115 via a telephone line (not shown) or causes the printer unit 114 to print the image data received via the telephone line. Thereby, it is possible to transmit and receive images with other FAX terminals.

[0016] (Network driver: LAN unit: USB host driver: USB unit) The network driver 111 connects the controller 101 and the LAN unit 117, and the LAN unit 117 is connected to the PC 119. The controller 101 controls the LAN unit 117 via the network driver 111, so that the required information is communicated between the image forming apparatus 1 and the PC 119. Similarly, the USB host driver 112 connects the controller 101 and the USB unit 118, and the USB unit 118 is connected to the PC 119. The controller 101 controls the USB unit 118 via the USB host driver 112, so that the required information is communicated between the image forming apparatus 1 and the PC 119.

[0017] Also, the CPU 102 of the image forming apparatus 1 receives an execution instruction for firmware update from the PC 119 via the network driver 111 or the USB host driver 112. The CPU 102 stores the data for firmware update in the HDD 106 in the same manner as a job, and executes the firmware update after all the jobs waiting for execution are completed.

[0018] (Fig. 2: Perspective view showing the printer unit 114) Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing the printer unit 114. The auto feeder unit 201 feeds the loaded sheets (printing media) one by one, and performs a paper feeding operation by a paper feeding mechanism including the LF motor 205 and the LF gear 204. In a state where the paper is fed, the carriage drive motor 210 moves the belt 211 connected to the carriage 202, so that the carriage 202 scans and moves in a direction (left - right direction) perpendicular to the paper feeding direction. An inkjet head 207 is mounted on the carriage 202, and the inkjet head 207 is mounted on the printer unit 114 by the mounting operation of the head attachment / detachment lever 208.

[0019] The carriage 202 is connected to a shaft (not shown) fixed to the chassis 203 by a bearing 206. The position when the carriage 202 moves in a scanning manner is detected by an encoder scale 212 and an encoder sensor (not shown) mounted on the carriage 202. When ink cannot be normally ejected from the inkjet head 207 due to causes such as ink coagulation, the recovery unit 209 performs head cleaning.

[0020] (FIG. 3: Diagram for explaining information on dot count for one line) FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining information on inkjet dot count for one line, that is, the amount of movement when the print head scans and prints from one end of the paper to the other end. One line is composed of a plurality of blocks (printing units) in the vertical direction "V (dot)" and "horizontal direction H (dot)" arranged side by side in the horizontal direction, and the dot count value is measured for each block. In the example shown in FIG. 3, one line consists of "n" blocks from block N1 to block Nn in the horizontal direction.

[0021] (FIG. 4: Diagram for explaining storage of dot count value in RAM) FIG. 4 is a diagram showing specifically that the dot count value in FIG. 3 is stored on the RAM 104. In this embodiment, the dot count for one block is stored as "32 (bit)", that is, "4 (byte)". In the example shown in FIG. 4, the first block N1 is stored at the address "addr#0000 0000". The next block N2 is stored at the address "addr#0000 0004", and the address value is incremented by "#4" for each block and stored in the RAM 104 in this way.

[0022] (FIG. 5: Diagram showing blocks for performing divided printing on the paper surface) FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing, as an area on the paper surface, a block which is a determination unit for divided printing when printing is performed by the printer unit 114 shown in FIG. 2. The vertically long rectangular shape shown on the right side in FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of one block obtained by drawing two dotted lines from a portion where a plurality of blocks are arranged. The height (number of dots) of one block is “V (dot)”, which is the same as the height (number of dots) of the print head, and the width of one block is “H (dot)”. The dot count measurement size is basically the same as “H (dot)”.

[0023] The determination as to whether or not to perform divided printing based on dot count is made for each block. If there is a block that requires divided printing even in one block, the line in which the block exists is subjected to divided printing.

[0024] (FIG. 6: Explanatory diagram of the arrangement of nozzle rows for each color of the print head) FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the arrangement of nozzle rows on the inkjet head 207 in the printer unit 114 shown in FIG. 2. The image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes nozzle rows corresponding to each of the four colors of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (Bk) from the left in the drawing. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the nozzle of magenta (M) is arranged 82 dots to the right of the reference position with the nozzle of yellow (Y) as the reference position, and the nozzle of cyan (C) is arranged 164 dots to the right of the reference position. The nozzle of black (Bk) is arranged 574 dots to the right of the reference position. Note that the scope of application of the present invention is not limited to the arrangement of nozzle rows shown in FIG. 6.

[0025] (FIG. 7: Explanatory diagram of the dot count threshold determination table) FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a “dot count threshold determination table” in the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a table referred to for obtaining a dot count value as a threshold for determining whether or not to perform divided printing based on the dot count value in units of blocks described in FIG. 5, based on the job type and on / off conditions of other mechanisms.

[0026] In the example shown in FIG. 7, the job types to be handled are three types: "FAX job", "copy job", and "print job". The units to be activated for each job are as follows. For the "FAX job", the printer unit 114 and the FAX unit 116; for the "copy job", the printer unit 114 and the scanner unit 115; for the "print job", only the printer unit 114.

[0027] Also, as units independent of the jobs, there are "operation panel (included in the display unit / operation unit 113)" and "wireless function (included in the LAN unit 117)". "〇" indicates a state where power is supplied to the units necessary for the operation of the operation panel and the wireless function, and "×" indicates a state where power is not supplied to the units necessary for the operation of the operation panel and the wireless function. The power supply to each unit is controlled by the CPU 102 as the power supply unit. From the perspective of how many units other than the printer unit 114, which is the object of split printing control, operate simultaneously during printing, thresholds are set for the following four types of operation patterns: (a), (b), (c), and (d). (a): Three units other than the printer unit 114 operate simultaneously. (b): Two units other than the printer unit 114 operate simultaneously. (c): One unit other than the printer unit 114 operates simultaneously. (d): There are no units operating simultaneously other than the printer unit 114.

[0028] For example, when the job type is "FAX job", when the setting panel is "○" and the wireless function is "○", the operating units are the operation panel, the wireless function, the printer unit 114, and the FAX unit 116. Therefore, it becomes the "operation pattern (a)" in which three units other than the printer unit 114 operate. Also, when the setting panel is "○" and the wireless function is "×", the operating units are the operation panel, the printer unit 114, and the FAX unit 116. So, it becomes the "operation pattern (b)" in which two units other than the printer unit 114 operate. When the setting panel is "×" and the wireless function is "×", the operating units are the printer unit 114 and the FAX unit 116. Thus, it becomes the "operation pattern (c)" in which one unit other than the printer unit 114 operates.

[0029] Similarly, when the job type is "print job", when the setting panel is "○" and the wireless function is "○", the operating units are the operation panel, the wireless function, and the printer unit 114. So, it becomes the "operation pattern (b)" in which two units other than the printer unit 114 operate. Also, when the setting panel is "○" and the wireless function is "×", the operating units are the operation panel and the printer unit 114. Therefore, it becomes the "operation pattern (c)" in which one unit other than the printer unit 114 operates. When the setting panel is "×" and the wireless function is "×", only the printer unit 114 operates. Hence, it becomes the "operation pattern (d)" in which there are no simultaneously operating units other than the printer unit 114. Note that the content of the dot count threshold determination table in FIG. 7 may be updated. By appropriately updating the threshold value (see FIG. 8) shown in the dot count threshold determination table not only before the start of the job but also during the execution of the job, efficient divided printing control following the change in the power consumption situation can be performed.

[0030] (FIG. 8: Explanatory diagram of the relationship between the dot count threshold and the divided printing control) FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the dot count threshold value in block units and the divided printing control in the first embodiment of the present invention. The "threshold value 1" and "threshold value 2" of the dot count values for (a), (b), (c), and (d) described in FIG. 7 are shown. The "threshold value 1" is a threshold value for determining whether it is "no divided printing" or "2-divided printing", and the "threshold value 2" is a threshold value for determining whether it is "2-divided printing" or "4-divided printing".

[0031] As described in the operation pattern, the number of units operating other than the printer unit 114 decreases from the operation pattern "(a)" to the operation pattern "(d)". That is, since there is a margin in the divided printing control, in the operation pattern "(a)", "4-divided printing / 2-divided printing / no division" is separated by a threshold value at substantially equal intervals. On the other hand, in the operation pattern "(d)", there is no threshold value (both "threshold value 1" and "threshold value 2" are the same as the dot count MAX value), and divided printing is not required regardless of the dot count value (normal printing).

[0032] (FIG. 9: Flowchart showing the line printing operation of the first embodiment) FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the line printing operation of the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 shows the processing for printing one line. First, in S901, when the printing data for one line is buffered in the RAM 104, the CPU 102 starts executing the processing. In S902, when the printing data for one scan is stored in the RAM 104, the CPU 102 determines the threshold pattern shown in FIG. 8 based on the operation pattern shown in FIG. 7.

[0033] Next, in S903, repetition is started for each block area shown in FIG. 5 (S903 to S908). First, in S904, the CPU 102 determines whether the dot count value exceeds the "threshold value 2". If it is determined that the dot count value exceeds the "threshold value 2" (Yes), the process proceeds to S905, while if it is determined that it does not exceed (No), the process proceeds to S906.

[0034] In S905, the CPU 102 sets the 4-division printing flag for "with 4-division printing". At this point, the maximum division printing is determined, so the repeated determination immediately ends. On the other hand, in S906, the CPU 102 determines whether the dot count value exceeds "threshold value 1". If the CPU 102 determines that the dot count value exceeds "threshold value 1" (Yes), it proceeds to S907. If it determines that the dot count value does not exceed "threshold value 1" (No), it proceeds to S908.

[0035] In S907, the CPU 102 sets the 2-division printing flag for "with 2-division printing". If it proceeds to S908, the CPU 102 proceeds to the next determination area. That is, the processing from S903 to S908 is repeated in the next determination area. Next, in S909, when the determination for all block areas is completed, it is determined whether to perform division printing on this line.

[0036] In S909, if the CPU 102 determines that only the 2-division printing flag is set, it executes 2-division printing in S911. If the CPU 102 determines that the 4-division printing flag is set, it executes 4-division printing in S912. Also, in S909, if the CPU 102 determines that none of the division printing flags are set, it proceeds to S910 to execute normal printing without division. Then, in S913, when the printing for one line is completed, the CPU 120 ends the process.

[0037] (Second Embodiment) (Fig. 10: Explanation diagram of job swapping process in the second embodiment) Fig. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the job swapping process according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 10 shows the "jobs" registered in the "job queue" and the "tasks" reserved for execution in the "task schedule" in chronological order, indicating that the jobs are executed in order from left to right in the figure.

[0038] When the execution start time of the "Log Information Transmission Task 1000" arrives, it uses the wireless function to transmit log information to the server. Due to the use of the wireless function accompanying the execution of this task, it is assumed that the threshold values for split printing (the values of threshold 1 and threshold 2) change from the threshold values of the split printing control condition A1003 to the threshold values of the split printing control condition B1004.

[0039] In Fig. 10(a), the CPU 102 grasps the following before job execution. As a result of predicting split printing for all jobs, the monochrome printing job 1001 and the color printing job 1002, the CPU 102 grasps that split printing is activated (1005) for the color printing job 1002. In this case, the CPU 102 swaps the execution order of the monochrome printing job 1001 and the color printing job 1002 (see Fig. 10(b)) so that split printing is not activated.

[0040] That is, after time A in Fig. 10(a) (see Fig. 10(a)), the "Log Information Transmission Task 1000" is scheduled for execution, and since the threshold value for split printing changes to a small value (split printing control condition B), the "Color Printing Job 1002" with high power consumption will be split printed. Therefore, the "Color Printing Job 1002" is executed in a time zone with a larger threshold value for split printing before time A (the time zone of the split printing control condition A), and the "Monochrome Printing Job" with low power consumption is executed after time A. Thus, split printing can be avoided from being activated.

[0041] In addition, when the swapping of printing jobs occurs, it may be configured to display a message or the like that allows the user to grasp this on the display unit and operation unit 113, or to notify the PC 119 via the LAN unit 117. The notified PC 119, for example, displays on its display screen in a manner that allows the user to grasp that the swapping process of the printing job has been executed. For example, a message such as "The swapping of the monochrome printing job and the color printing job has occurred" may be displayed, but the notification mode is not limited to this.

[0042] (Fig. 11: Flowchart showing split printing prediction processing) FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the "split printing prediction process" of the second embodiment. This flowchart starts at the timing before job execution in a state where a plurality of print jobs are queued in the job queue (S1101). Split printing prediction is started for each job queued in the job queue (S1102 to S1108).

[0043] In S1103, the CPU 102 determines the threshold value that becomes the split printing prediction condition after checking whether there is a task overlapping with the scheduled job execution time on the scheduler. For example, in FIG. 10(a), the CPU 102 checks that the log information transmission task 100 overlapping with the scheduled execution time of the color print job 1002 is scheduled, and determines the threshold value of the split printing control condition B. When job execution is performed across multiple types of split printing control conditions, a stricter (in other words, easier to start split printing) condition is adopted. For example, in FIG. 10(a), the color print job 1002 is executed across the split printing control condition A and the split printing control condition B. In this case, the threshold value of the split printing control condition B is determined.

[0044] In S1104 and S1108, the CPU 102 pre-analyzes the print content of the job and repeatedly executes processing for all block areas. In S1105, the CPU 102 measures the dot count value of one block. Next, in S1106, the CPU 102 determines whether the measured dot count value exceeds "threshold value 1". When the CPU 102 determines that it exceeds "threshold value 1" (Yes), it proceeds to S1107, while when it determines otherwise (No), it proceeds to S1108, sets the next block as the processing target, and returns to S1104.

[0045] In S1107, when the CPU 102 predicts that split printing will occur exceeding "Threshold 1", it executes job swapping processing. Note that the processing of S1107 will be described later with reference to FIG. 12. When the job swapping processing of S1107 is executed and when the processing for all blocks is completed, in S1109, the CPU 1109 returns to S1102 with the next job as the processing target. When the split printing prediction processing is completed for all jobs, the processing ends in S1110.

[0046] (FIG. 12: Flowchart showing job swapping processing of the second embodiment) FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the job swapping processing of the second embodiment of the present invention. The processing shown in FIG. 12 starts when executing the job swapping processing of S1107 in FIG. 11 (S1201).

[0047] When it is determined by the split printing prediction processing that split printing will be activated, the job for which split printing is to be suppressed by job swapping (order exchange) is set as the "self-job". Then, the number of job candidates (exchange candidates) for the swap destination is the number obtained by subtracting the self-job from the total number of jobs queued in the job queue. The CPU 102 executes swap simulations the number of times of "total number of jobs - 1" (S1202 to S1205).

[0048] In the swap simulation (S1203 to S1205), first in S1203, the CPU 102 executes the order swapping processing between the self-job and the swap candidate job. That is, the execution order of the self-job and the swap candidate job is swapped. Next, in S1204 and S1205, the CPU 102 executes split printing prediction for the self-job and split printing prediction for the swap candidate job. That is, the split printing prediction processing is executed again for both the self-job and the swap candidate job.

[0049] Next, in S1206, the CPU 102 determines whether split printing is not started for both the own job and the replacement candidate job. If it is determined that split printing is not started for both the own job and the replacement candidate job (Yes), this job replacement is made official, the repetition is interrupted, and the process proceeds to S1209 to end the process. On the other hand, if it is determined otherwise (No), that is, if it is determined that split printing is started in at least one of the own job and the replacement candidate job (Yes), the process proceeds to S1207.

[0050] In S1207, the CPU 102 returns the replacement candidate job to be replaced to the original execution time. In S1208, the next replacement candidate job is selected and the process returns to S1203. If split printing is not started (successful) or not successful by swapping between the own job and any of the replacement candidate jobs, the process ends (S1209).

[0051] (Third Embodiment) As a third embodiment, a process for avoiding the start of split printing by split printing prediction processing of a job and off control of individual functions will be described. When one or more jobs are queued in the job queue and it is found as a result of executing split printing prediction processing on those jobs that split printing is started, the CPU 102 executes the following process.

[0052] In FIG. 7, when split printing does not start by changing the activation states (on, off) of the "operation panel" and "wireless function", split printing can be avoided by temporarily turning off the "operation panel" and "wireless function". However, there is a risk in unconditionally disabling the activation of other units in order to avoid the start of split printing. For this reason, it is possible to adopt a configuration in which the user's consent is obtained each time by a dialog or the like to turn off the activation states of the "operation panel" and "wireless function". Also, it is possible to adopt a configuration in which, after obtaining the user's consent, it is preset to turn off the "operation panel" and "wireless function" in order to avoid split printing.

[0053] That is, the CPU 102 of the image forming apparatus 1 may be configured to include an inquiry unit that inquiries the user whether automatic suspension is possible in a dialog format before the automatic suspension of a specific unit. Examples of the specific unit include the display unit / operation unit 113, the LAN unit 117, the USB unit 118, etc., but other units may also be used as the specific unit.

[0054] In addition, when a print job replacement occurs, in addition to notification by a message on the display / operation unit 113 or the PC 119, notification may be made by light, sound, etc. The notification by sound may be not only a simple sound but also a voice notification, and examples of the notification by light include lighting of an LED. When these notifications are made, the user can be directed to check the display / operation unit 113 etc. of the image forming apparatus 1 assuming that the execution order of the print jobs has been replaced.

[0055] As described above, according to the embodiment of the present invention, even when there is power margin, for example, it is possible to prevent the start of divided printing for suppressing power consumption. As a result, it is possible to suppress the reduction of throughput during divided printing control.

[0056] <Supplementary Note> The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configurations, methods, and programs. (Configuration 1) An image forming apparatus comprising a printing unit that performs printing and a unit group including a plurality of types of functional units that consume power other than this, capable of performing one-line printing in which a plurality of blocks equivalent to printing one character are arranged side by side in the horizontal direction, and capable of divided printing that uses print nozzles in multiple times, a threshold storage unit that stores in association each of a plurality of operation patterns of the unit group, a corresponding first threshold value, and a second threshold value larger than this; a selection unit that refers to the stored content of the threshold storage unit and selects normal printing or divided printing according to the operation pattern of the unit group at the time of printing, characterized in that it comprises this. (Configuration 2) The selection unit The image forming apparatus according to Configuration 1, wherein when the count value of the number of horizontal dots of all the blocks in one line does not exceed both the first threshold value and the second threshold value, normal printing is selected. (Configuration 3) The selection unit The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the count value of the number of horizontal dots of all the blocks in one line does not exceed the second threshold value and the count value of the number of horizontal dots of any one of the blocks exceeds the first threshold value, two-up printing is selected. (Configuration 4) The selection unit The image forming apparatus according to Configuration 1, wherein when the count value of the number of horizontal dots of any one of the blocks in one line exceeds the second threshold value, four-up printing is selected. (Configuration 5) The image forming apparatus according to any one of Configurations 1 to 4, further comprising an update unit that updates the stored content of the threshold value storage unit. (Configuration 6) The image forming apparatus according to any one of Configurations 1 to 4, further comprising a prediction unit that predicts, before execution of the plurality of print jobs, that when any one of the blocks in one line of a certain print job has a number of horizontal dots exceeding the first threshold value, and a plurality of print jobs are queued in a job queue, split printing will be selected for the certain print job. (Configuration 7) The image forming apparatus according to Configuration 6, further comprising a swapping unit that swaps the execution order of a print job for which split printing is predicted to be selected by the prediction unit and another print job so that split printing is not selected. (Configuration 8) The image forming apparatus according to Configuration 7, further comprising a notification unit that notifies the self-device or another device that the execution order of the job has been swapped. (Configuration 9) The image forming apparatus according to any one of Configurations 1 to 4, further comprising an operation suspension unit that automatically suspends the operation of one or more specific units within the unit group so that split printing is not selected. (Configuration 10) The image forming apparatus according to Configuration 9, further comprising an inquiry unit that inquires of the user in a dialog format whether to suspend the operation automatically before automatically suspending the specific unit. (Method 1) An image forming apparatus includes a printing unit that performs printing and a unit group including a plurality of types of functional units that consume power other than the printing unit. Printing can be performed for each line in which a plurality of blocks equivalent to printing one character are arranged horizontally, and A control method for an image forming apparatus capable of performing divided printing in which printing nozzles are used in multiple times, a threshold storage step of associating and storing each of a plurality of types of operation patterns of the unit group with a corresponding first threshold value and a second threshold value larger than the first threshold value; a selection step of selecting normal printing or divided printing according to the operation pattern of the unit group at the time of printing with reference to the stored content in the threshold storage step. The control method for an image forming apparatus is characterized by including the above steps. (Program 1) A program for causing a computer to execute a control method for an image forming apparatus including a printing unit that performs printing and a unit group including a plurality of types of functional units that consume power other than the printing unit. One-line printing in which a plurality of blocks equivalent to printing one character are arranged horizontally is possible, and divided printing in which printing nozzles are used in multiple times is possible. The control method includes a threshold storage step of associating and storing each of a plurality of types of operation patterns of the unit group with a corresponding first threshold value and a second threshold value larger than the first threshold value; a selection step of selecting normal printing or divided printing according to the operation pattern of the unit group at the time of printing with reference to the stored content in the threshold storage step. The program is characterized by including the above steps.

[0057] The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention. For example, the present invention can also be realized by a process in which a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or apparatus via a network or a recording medium, and a processor of a computer of the system or apparatus reads and executes the program. Further, the present invention can also be realized by a circuit (for example, ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0058] 1 Image forming apparatus 101 Controller 102 CPU 103 ROM 104 RAM 105 NVM 106 HDD 107 Display unit / operation unit I / F 108 Printer I / F 109 Scanner I / F 110 FAX I / F 111 Network driver 112 USB host driver 113 Display unit / operation unit 114 Printer unit 115 Scanner unit 116 FAX unit 117 LAN unit 118 USB unit 119 PC

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus including a printing unit that performs printing and a unit group including a plurality of types of functional units that consume power other than the printing unit, capable of performing one-line printing in which a plurality of blocks equivalent to one-character printing are arranged horizontally, and capable of performing divided printing using a print nozzle in multiple times, a threshold storage unit that associates and stores each of a plurality of types of operation patterns of the unit group with a corresponding first threshold value and a second threshold value greater than the first threshold value, a selection unit that refers to the stored content of the threshold storage unit and selects normal printing or divided printing according to the operation pattern of the unit group at the time of printing, characterized in that the image forming apparatus comprises the selection unit.

2. The selection unit, selects normal printing when the count value of the number of horizontal dots of all blocks in one line does not exceed both the first threshold value and the second threshold value, according to the image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The selection unit, selects two-divided printing when the count value of the number of horizontal dots of all blocks in one line does not exceed the second threshold value and the count value of the number of horizontal dots of any one block exceeds the first threshold value, according to the image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

4. The selection unit, selects four-divided printing when the count value of the number of horizontal dots of any one block in one line exceeds the second threshold value, according to the image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

5. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising an update unit that updates the stored content of the threshold storage unit.

6. A prediction unit that predicts, before execution of the plurality of print jobs, that divided printing will be selected for a certain print job when a plurality of print jobs are queued in a job queue and the number of horizontal dots of any one block in one line of the certain print job exceeds the first threshold value, according to the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising a swapping unit that swaps the execution order of a print job predicted by the prediction unit to select divided printing and other print jobs so that divided printing is not selected.

8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising a notification unit that notifies the own apparatus or another apparatus that the execution order of the jobs has been swapped.

9. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising an operation suspension unit that automatically suspends the operation of one or more specific units in the unit group so that divided printing is not selected.

10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising an inquiry unit that inquires the user about the permissibility of automatic suspension in a dialog format before automatically suspending the specific unit.

11. A control method for an image forming apparatus, comprising: a printing unit that performs printing; and a unit group including a plurality of types of function units that consume power other than this, and capable of printing for each line in which a plurality of blocks equivalent to printing one character are arranged side by side in the horizontal direction, and capable of divided printing using a print head in a plurality of times, a threshold storage step of associating and storing each of a plurality of types of operation patterns of the unit group with a corresponding first threshold value and a second threshold value larger than this; a selection step of selecting normal printing or divided printing according to the operation pattern of the unit group at the time of printing with reference to the stored content by the threshold storage step. The control method for an image forming apparatus is characterized by having these steps.

12. A program for causing a computer to execute a control method for an image forming apparatus, comprising: a printing unit that performs printing; and a unit group including a plurality of types of function units that consume power other than this, and capable of printing one line in which a plurality of blocks equivalent to printing one character are arranged side by side in the horizontal direction, and capable of divided printing using a print head in a plurality of times, wherein the control method includes a threshold storage step of associating and storing each of a plurality of types of operation patterns of the unit group with a corresponding first threshold value and a second threshold value larger than this; a selection step of selecting normal printing or divided printing according to the operation pattern of the unit group at the time of printing with reference to the stored content by the threshold storage step. The program is characterized by having these steps.

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